TeleopLab: Accessible and Intuitive Teleoperation of a Robotic Manipulator for Remote Labs

2025-09-05

AI Summary

To address the lack of accessible physical laboratory resources and high operational costs—coupled with unintuitive interaction—in remote STEM education, this study designs and implements a low-cost, smartphone-based remote robotics laboratory system. The system integrates a robotic arm, an adaptive gripper, real-time video streaming, a lightweight mobile user interface, and embedded video conferencing to enable synchronous instructor-student collaboration. Its key innovation lies in deeply coupling mobile-native interaction paradigms—such as touch gestures and device motion—with the remote robot control workflow, thereby enhancing accessibility and pedagogical alignment. Evaluation using the NASA-TLX and System Usability Scale (SUS) shows that users complete tasks 46.1% faster on average, achieve a SUS score of 73.8, and report a significantly reduced subjective workload (NASA-TLX score: 38.2), effectively bridging the experiential gap between remote learning and hands-on laboratory practice.

Technology Category

• Intelligent Robots: Manipulation
• Humans and AI: Interaction Techniques and Devices
• Computer Vision: Low Level & Physics-based Vision

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Experiences and lessons learnt from Web-based algorithms and system deployments
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Cost models of using LLMs in production systems
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics

Abstract

Teleoperation offers a promising solution for enabling hands-on learning in remote education, particularly in environments requiring interaction with real-world equipment. However, such remote experiences can be costly or non-intuitive. To address these challenges, we present TeleopLab, a mobile device teleoperation system that allows students to control a robotic arm and operate lab equipment. TeleopLab comprises a robotic arm, an adaptive gripper, cameras, lab equipment for a diverse range of applications, a user interface accessible through smartphones, and video call software. We conducted a user study, focusing on task performance, students' perspectives toward the system, usability, and workload assessment. Our results demonstrate a 46.1% reduction in task completion time as users gained familiarity with the system. Quantitative feedback highlighted improvements in students' perspectives after using the system, while NASA TLX and SUS assessments indicated a manageable workload of 38.2 and a positive usability of 73.8. TeleopLab successfully bridges the gap between physical labs and remote education, offering a scalable and effective platform for remote STEM learning.

Problem

• Enabling intuitive teleoperation for remote robotic lab access
• Reducing cost and complexity in remote hands-on education
• Bridging physical equipment interaction with scalable STEM learning

Innovation

• Mobile device teleoperation system
• Adaptive gripper and camera integration
• Smartphone-accessible user interface